Schneider Purchasing California Freight Forwarder

Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

chneider National’s logistics unit said Monday it has signed a stock purchase agreement to acquire American Overseas Air Freight, an international freight forwarder and a customs broker.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Schneider Logistics said American specializes in handling and shipping of import and export products by air, ocean and truck. Upon completion of the acquisition, Schneider National said it will be the first truckload carrier to complete the cycle of international to inland delivery.

“The freight forwarding and customs brokerage expertise of American Overseas will complement Schneider's existing transportation and logistics services offerings as we continue to expand globally,” said Tom Escott, Schneider Logistics’ president.

“This acquisition is another key component in our strategy to build a comprehensive door-to-door global logistics operation that spans air, ocean, rail and truck transportation," he said in a statement.

Ron Barker, president of American Overseas will continue to lead El Segundo, Calif.-based unit, which will retain its name, Schneider said in a statement.

Schneider said it expects the deal to close by the end of March.

Privately held Schneider is ranked No. 9 on the Transport Topics 100 listing of U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers and is the largest U.S. truckload company.